The newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, has assumed duty with a pledge to strengthen community participation in the fight against cultism, armed robbery, maritime crimes, illegal firearms, drug offences and other forms of criminality.
Adewale took over from AIG Iyamah Daniel Edebor, who was elevated to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police.
Key highlights:
New CP promises intelligence-led and community-based policing.
Marine and waterways security to receive renewed attention.
Police to intensify action against cultists, pirates, drug traffickers and armed robbers.
Oil and gas infrastructure protection to be strengthened.
CP warns personnel against extortion and human rights violations.
Speaking during his maiden address to journalists in Yenagoa, Adewale assured residents of professional and responsive policing aimed at protecting lives and property and maintaining law and order.
He said Bayelsa’s predominantly riverine terrain presented unique security challenges, requiring targeted strategies to address cultism, armed robbery, piracy, oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, illegal refining and other organised crimes.
The CP said his policing strategy would be intelligence-driven and proactive, with emphasis on crime mapping, targeted operations, rapid response and multi-agency collaboration.
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He said the command would strengthen intelligence gathering to identify crime hotspots, emerging threats and criminal networks, while targeting the leadership, funding and logistics of criminal groups.
Given the state’s waterways, Adewale said marine security would be prioritised through increased patrols, intelligence operations and collaboration with the Armed Forces and other maritime stakeholders.
He also promised stronger protection for oil and gas infrastructure through partnerships with government agencies, operators and host communities to combat crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering.
On community policing, the CP said security could not be achieved by the police alone.
“Security is a collective responsibility. We shall deepen partnerships with traditional institutions, community leaders, youth and women groups, religious organisations, the private sector and the media.”
Adewale also directed officers and men of the command to maintain professionalism and warned against extortion, misconduct and violations of citizens’ human rights.
He said the command would sustain high-visibility policing while adapting its strategies to emerging security threats across Bayelsa.
